Parts of the US face blizzard conditions with heavy snowfall and high winds, while the UK braces for an unexpected return of winter weather, challenging earlier heatwave predictions. Both regions anticipate significant disruptions.
A severe winter storm has battered parts of the US Plains and Upper Midwest, delivering blizzard conditions and heavy snowfall with winds reaching up to 50mph. Blizzard warnings were issued for several states including Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota, forecasting snow accumulation of two to 10 inches. This recent spell of harsh weather, expected to persist through Tuesday, could result in significant power outages and hazardous travel conditions due to rapid snow accumulation and high winds. The storm follows a prior event that left around 160,000 homes and businesses, particularly in Maine, without power after dumping over two feet of snow in Northeastern states. Amidst this, a rare geomagnetic storm has also made the Northern Lights visible in some US regions. In response, South Dakota State University has shut its campus, and authorities in Pennsylvania rescued a girl from a rain-swollen creek.
Meanwhile, the UK is facing a dramatic shift in weather conditions. Initially forecasted to experience a heatwave in April due to an African plume, with temperatures potentially hitting 17C, the UK is now bracing for a series of weather extremes. New predictions suggest a 251-mile-wide snow blanket might cover Britain on April 4, challenging the earlier anticipation of balmy weather. This expected snowfall stretches from the south coast to Cumbria and another band over northeastern England. The UK’s Met Office describes the upcoming week post-Easter as “unsettled,” with widespread rain and showers predicted. Additionally, weather maps now indicate a significant Arctic freeze and a 72-hour snowstorm poised to engulf the country from April 2, possibly impacting areas from Wick to Yorkshire and further south, including Wales.
Further compounding the UK’s severe weather scenario is Storm Nelson, named by Spanish forecasters, which is anticipated to unleash strong winds and heavy rainfall, with a 641-mile-long deluge set to affect Belfast significantly and other parts of the UK experiencing blustery conditions. The storm might also dampen holiday plans for those heading to Spain or Portugal, with adverse conditions expected in popular destinations. The BBC’s Helen Willetts and the Met Office have warned of the storm’s immediate implications, advising the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
